Description

Contributor: Nick Hatch, MD

Educational Pearls:

• Inhaled nitric oxide or Flolan may be considered in COVID
• • Flolan is a prostaglandin can be inhaled or given IV
• These medications are classically used for right-sided heart failure, but may be used in COVID
• Causes pulmonary vasodilation to reduce the resistance against the right ventricle
• Complications include hypotension and hemolysis, but nitric oxide can be turned off very quickly if needed
• • Be careful and wean patients on nitric oxide for pulmonary hypertension

References

Lotz C, Muellenbach RM, Meybohm P, et al. Effects of inhaled nitric oxide in COVID-19-induced ARDS - Is it worthwhile?. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2021;65(5):629-632. doi:10.1111/aas.13757

Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD

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